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Russia's opposition coalition formed a new political party on Monday ahead of the 2011 parliamentary elections.

Russia's opposition coalition formed a new political party on Monday ahead of the 2011 parliamentary elections.

The Party of Popular Freedom was formed by an opposition coalition created in September by prominent government critics Vladimir Ryzhkov, Boris Nemtsov, Mikhail Kasyanov and Vladimir Milov.

Although it is unlikely that the newly formed party will have any chance against the entrenched Russian leadership, the coalition leaders say will use the election campaign to rally support against the government.

The new party's name harks back to Russia's first liberal party, established in 1907 shortly after the revolution.

The party's charter, program and candidates for administrative positions are expected to be approved later on Monday.